Thiruvananthapuram: The LDF on Tuesday said while it was focusing on development issues, the Congress-led UDF was allegedly trying to play Hindutva card in Chengannur bypoll. The Left leadership alleges that the Congress attempt was to divert the attention of people from real issues. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan hinted at the Congress move to polarise the polls on communal lines. The LDF, however, said it was confident that people of Chengannur will see through Congress game plan and give a befitting reply.
“Hindutva or Christianitva will not work here. Names don't matter, focus is on development. We want to carry forward the development activities initiated in the constituency by late K.K. Ramachandran Master. The development works worth Rs 750 crore will be given top priority by LDF,” said LDF candidate Saji Cherian. The LDF candidate expressed his confidence that voters of the constituency would think above caste and community lines. “In 2006, I secured 44.64 pc votes despite BJP shifting its votes to the Congress candidate,” he said.
The BJP which had polled 3.79 pc and 4.84 pc votes in 2006 and 2011 respectively, stunned everyone in 2016 getting 29.36 per cent votes. P S Sreedharan Pillai secured 42682 votes. “It will not be easy for BJP to transfer its votes this time. They will be under pressure to retain their vote share,” said Cherian. Meanwhile, former Congress MLA from Chengannur Shobhana George reportedly decided to back LDF. She contested as independent in 2016 and secured over 3000 votes. Experts say her support will be crucial in a close triangular contest.
